STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The North Shore Rotary Club has pledged $100,000 to Richmond University Medical Center to support the redesign and renovation of the hospital’s Wayne Zenna Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, marking the largest contribution in the club’s 68-year history.
The investment supports one of Rotary International’s core areas of focus: maternal and child health.
The contribution will help expand capacity, update technology, and improve the overall experience for families and newborns receiving care at the NICU.
“This is the most significant gift our Club has ever made, and it reflects our commitment to supporting families at some of their most critical moments,” said Dennis Surmanek, president of the North Shore Rotary Club. “Maternal and child health is a core focus for Rotary, and helping with the redesign and renovation of RUMC’s Wayne Zenna NICU is a direct investment in that mission, right here in our community.”
The North Shore Rotary Foundation has awarded more than $1.2 million to support community initiatives and critical needs across Staten Island.
The club is deepening its partnership with RUMC’s NICU team beyond financial support. Members recently provided a complete Thanksgiving dinner for NICU doctors, nurses, and current families.
The renovation project is being funded through grants and private philanthropy, including a leadership gift from the Zenna family.
The Staten Island Foundation’s Diamond Matching Grant Program is providing a 2-to-1 match for contributions, tripling each donation.
“Supporting the NICU redesign is an extension of our Foundation’s commitment to long-term community impact,” said Paul Scamardella, president of the North Shore Rotary Foundation. “This gift, and the continued relationship developing with RUMC, reflect our focus on meaningful and lasting support. We also encourage fellow NICU families to participate in the Diamond Match opportunity, where every donation is tripled.”
RUMC’s Level 3 NICU is recognized for strong outcomes and has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the country, providing advanced care for newborns requiring specialized treatment.
Daniel J. Messina, president and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center, said the contribution represents a significant milestone.
“This gift marks a milestone for North Shore Rotary and a major step forward for our NICU project,” Messina said. “Their continued engagement with our families and staff reflects a genuine commitment to improving maternal and child health on Staten Island.”
The North Shore Rotary Club was founded in 1957 and is part of Rotary International’s global network of 1.4 million members.
The club supports youth, veterans, families in crisis, education, the arts, and global causes including clean water and disease prevention across Staten Island and beyond.